The Flight Of The Humble Bea

She was constantly taking care of others, and she loved it, truly – but now it was time to take care of herself…

Was it finally time to put herself first?

you head librarian,” Mrs Lacy continued. “You know this place inside out and you’ve always given everyone such a lovely welcome.”

“I try my best,” Bea said.

“You’re such a humble lady,” Miss Caversham piped up. “We all think you’re so lovely.”

At least that cheered her up. She didn’t tell them that she hadn’t even applied for the head librarian’s job, even though Alan had encouraged her to; she wasn’t sure that she wanted that much responsibility.

“I’m not sure we should be dishing out free coffee and biscuits to the knitters,” Alice said as Bea returned to the desk. “Who introduced that idea?”

“I did. It’s a goodwill gesture.”

“It costs money.”

“I pay for it myself.”

Alice raised an eyebrow. “I don’t like that,” she said, then turned away with a sour look on her face.

Bea raised an eyebrow as she sat down in the armchair across from Milly.

“Even Neil doesn’t bother with me as much as you do and he’s my son. Where is he this morning, playing golf?”

“He works hard all week.”

“So do you. I know he’s my son, but I think he takes you for granted and you shouldn’t let him do that. I’m his mother, not yours.”

Bea didn’t know what to say.

“You’re such a lovely, humble person, Bea. I’m not even sure Neil deserves you.”

“Come now, Milly, you make me sound like a saint and no-one’s a saint,” Bea joked.

As she was cooking that evening, Bea asked Neil, “Have you ever thought of working abroad?”

“Like the USA, or Dubai?” Neil looked up from his phone.

“Or maybe in a poor country, doing something worthwhile.”

“Not my bag.” He shook his head. “It wouldn’t be a lifestyle I’d choose. Why? Are you serious?”

“I just saw a flyer today in a magazine, it made me think. It would be good to do something to help someone else.”

“Bea, you’re always helping someone,” he said. “Anyway, we can’t go abroad – what would we do about Mum? You know how much she relies on you.” “You could do more for her.”

“I’m working.”

“So am I.”

“She loves you.” He went back to his phone and that seemed to be the end of the discussion.

She watched him as he slept that night. How had she drifted into this relationship? He was an old school friend whom she’d met up with again at a reunion evening. They seemed to fit together and after a while he’d moved in with her. Life pootled along, but there was no commitment from him and no sign that he was going to make one any time soon. This suited him, particularly as she was so helpful with his mother. Neil

Bea sat down with a sigh. “Neil, where are we going?” she said. “Is this the way it’s always going to be – you out enjoying yourself every weekend and me sitting with your mother?”

He stopped with the mug of steaming tea halfway to his lips.

“You love being with her,” he said. “And I swear she loves you more than she loves me, her only child. Doesn’t that make you feel good?”

“She’s your mother. I have a life too.” He looked shocked, as if a sweet kitten had suddenly turned and revealed a set of sharp, adult teeth.

“Neil, are you ever going to make a real commitment to me?”

“I thought we were happy the way things are.” He blinked. “You’re always so quiet and easy going, and humble.” “Well, I’m not really.”

She turned her attention to her letter, tearing open the envelope. As she read it, she felt a flicker of excitement, yet fear too. What had she done?

“What is it?” Neil said. “What’s your letter about?”

When she looked at him, he had a quizzical, yet utterly confident look on his face. He knew, or he thought he knew, that she was his and that the status quo would always continue. It was that look that made up her mind, despite the trepidation.

“I think you’ll be spending a lot more time with your mother from now on,” Bea said. “Because you’ll be moving out.”

The first thing Alice informed Bea of on Monday morning, with great relish, was that she could expect a transfer to another branch in the next few weeks.

“Oh, there’s no need to worry about that,” Bea said.

Alice did look worried.

“I’ve posted my notice this morning. I’ve just been accepted to do a twelvemonth volunteering stint for a children’s home in South America. I’ll be leaving at the end of the month. I guess Mr Ransom will be your problem then.” She smiled sweetly. Alice Knowles looked deflated as she was deprived of her triumph.

Bea would miss looking after her elderly ladies and gentlemen, and she’d miss Milly, but it was time to leave. This humble Bea was done with being taken for granted. It was time to spread her wings and fly.

BY SUSAN SARAPUK www.myweekly.co.uk